ACUTE PHARYNGITIS, AN UNUSUAL COMPLICATION OF INTRAVENOUS HYPERALIMENTATION

While the numerous complications of intravenous hyperalimentation (IVH ) are well recognized, we encountered a unique one. A 60-year-old man developed a sore throat, neck pain and fever seven days after catheter ization of the subclavian vein to provide post-operative nutrition. Ma rked swelling was visible at the right posterior wall of his oropharyn x and hypopharynx. X-ray of the neck revealed that the tip of the cath eter was positioned in the internal jugular vein, not the subclavian v ein as intended. The acute pharyngitis, diagnosed as due to phlebitis of the internal jugular vein due to the malpositioned catheter, subsid ed within two days of catheter removal.